Stable Isotope Ratio Determination of the Origin of Vanillin in Vanilla Extracts and Its Relationship to Vanillin/Potassium Ratios

Abstract

A method is described for isolating vanillin from vanilla extract, followed by stable isotope ratio analysis to determine the amount of natural vanillin contained in adulterated vanilla extracts. After the potassium content is determined, the percent Madagascar and/or Java vanilla beans incorporated into the extract may then be approximated from the vanillin/ potassium ratio.